Redland City Council says vandalism at public toilets continues to place pressure on maintenance crews, causing blockages, temporary closures and additional upkeep across the city.
A council spokesperson said more than 170 incidents of vandalism or graffiti were recorded at public amenities in 2025, including damage to light fixtures, taps, basins and cisterns, as well as broken soap dispensers and doors.
“Redland City Council is responding to an increase in reported vandalism at public amenities, which has resulted in repeated blockages, temporary closures and additional unplanned maintenance,” the spokesperson said.
Between September and December 2025 alone, council recorded more than 60 incidents involving deliberate interference with public toilet infrastructure.
“This included items such as rags, wipes, cardboard and clothing being forced into plumbing systems,” the spokesperson said.
Council said crews continue to respond promptly to restore services and minimise disruption for residents and visitors.
Meanwhile, Brisbane City Councillor Alex Givney said the deliberate damage of public amenities was disappointing and diverted funding away from community improvements.
“It’s really disappointing when someone deliberately damages a public toilet or community facility,” Cr Givney said.
“These are spaces built for everyone and every dollar spent repairing vandalism is one less dollar able to be invested into improving our community facilities.”
Background figures provided by Brisbane City Council show that during the 2025 calendar year there were 1,868 instances of graffiti removal and 125 vandalism-related reports across 81 public toilet facilities.
The cost to remove graffiti in 2025 was $108,000, while repairs to vandalism-related damage totalled $65,000.
Brisbane City Council said these costs were covered within existing maintenance budgets and did not represent an additional unplanned expense to ratepayers.
Council also confirmed there had been no notable increase in graffiti or vandalism at public toilets in recent months.
Residents are being urged to help protect community facilities by reporting suspicious behaviour near public amenities to Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Council said public toilets are an essential community asset and reducing vandalism helps ensure facilities remain safe, accessible and available for everyone.
